During the 2023-24 growing season, 155,000 acres of winter wheat were planted and 120,000 acres were harvested. Winter wheat yield in North Dakota was estimated at 54 bushels per acre (bu/a) statewide, compared to 2023’s yield of 56 bu/a. Across much of the state, 2024 winter wheat yields were high due largely to the cool, wet spring and favorable weather conditions during crop vegetative growth.
SY Wolf, a Syngenta/AgriPro release, was reported as the most commonly planted winter wheat variety in the state at 16.4% of acres. In second place was the NDSU release, ND Noreen. Jerry and Emerson were tied for third place at 9.4% of acres each and the new NDSU release, ND Allison, was in fourth place at 6.6% of acres. Approximately one-third of the acres surveyed planted other varieties or did not respond.
Characteristics of hard red winter wheat varieties adapted for production in North Dakota are described in Table 1. Information on the agronomic and quality performance of selected varieties is summarized in subsequent tables. Yields are expressed on a 13.5% moisture basis and protein on a 12% basis, which are the industry standards.
Successful winter wheat production depends on numerous production practices, including selecting the right variety for a particular area. The information included in this publication is meant to help growers choose that variety or group of varieties. Characteristics to consider when selecting a variety are winter hardiness, yield potential in your area, test weight, protein content when grown with proper fertility, straw strength, plant height, reaction to important diseases and maturity.
The recommended seeding dates for winter wheat are Sept. 1-15 north of North Dakota Highway 200 and Sept. 15-30 in southern regions. Planting after the recommended dates reduces winter survival and grain yield. Planting prior to the recommended date may deplete soil moisture reserves unnecessarily. It also increases the risk of wheat streak mosaic virus and may reduce winter survival.
Winter wheat should be seeded at a rate of 1 million to 1.2 million pure live seeds per acre. The higher seeding rates of this recommended range should be used for late seeding or with poor seedbed conditions. Producers should consider only the most winter-hardy varieties available when growing winter wheat in North Dakota. Relative ratings for winter hardiness are found in Table 1.
Phosphorus aids winter survival by stimulating root growth and fall tillering. The secondary root system that develops during tillering is essential for a healthy, deep-rooted plant capable of withstanding stress. If winter wheat is planted on bare soil or following fallow, an application of phosphorus is recommended if soil phosphorous levels are low. While important, the contribution of phosphorus to winter survival is secondary to varietal hardiness.
Data from several years and locations should be used when selecting varieties. The idea that data from a single location nearest your farm will indicate which variety will perform the best for you next year is incorrect. You should select varieties that, on average, perform the best at multiple trial locations near your farm across several years.
